Tire pressure release apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a housing, a passageway, a pressure release mechanism, and at least one seal. The housing includes a longitudinal axis. The passageway extends through the housing and along the longitudinal axis. The passageway has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be threadably coupled and to be in fluid communication with a Presta-type valve of a tire. The second end is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose. The pressure release mechanism communicates with the passageway. The seal communicates with the pressure release mechanism and seals the pressure release mechanism and the passageway. The seal is effective to prevent pressure from escaping the passageway when the pressure release mechanism is not actuated. Actuation of the pressure release mechanism is effective to release pressure from the hose to the exterior of the apparatus and prevent detachment of any portion of the Presta-type valve as the apparatus is removed from the Presta-type valve.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to pumping arrangements for tiresand, more specifically, to removing these arrangements after tireinflation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the years, various types of valves have been used for tires onbicycles. One of these types of arrangements is a Presta-type (orFrench) valve. The Presta-type valve includes a long stem to which ahose from a pump may be connected. The pump may then be used to inflatethe tire. The Presta-type valve includes a valve core, which may beunscrewed. The Presta-type valve also includes an internal valve suchthat once inflation of the tire is complete, the internal valve closespreventing the tire from deflating.

Although the Presta-type valve may be preferred in some applications,one problem concerning this valve involves the valve core. The valvecore is typically installed at the factory. Sometimes, the valve core isnot secured very tightly to the rest of the valve by the factory and isloose. At other times, the valve core may loosen due to use of the tire.When the valve core is loose or is otherwise not secured, a user maystill desire to thread a pumping apparatus to the valve in order toinflate the tire. After the tire has been inflated, the user typicallywishes to remove the tire pump.

Unfortunately, after the tire is inflated pressure still exists in thehose of the pump. Pressure also exists in the tire, up to the internalvalve of the Presta-type valve. These pressures may cause stiction tooccur between the valve core and portions of the hose. If this occurs,as the pump is unthreaded, the valve core may be removed with the pump.Needless to say, this occurrence is inconvenient for the user since theynow have to re-attach or re-insert the valve core. In othercircumstances, the valve core may become de-attached and the valve coremay become lost. The detachment often occurs at inconvenient times orplaces.

All of these problems have made it sometimes inconvenient for users toinflate their tires, and utilize and enjoy their bicycle. This, in turnresults in user dissatisfaction with current pumping arrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for coupling apump to a tire valve according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A-C comprise views, including cross-sectional views, of a flipchuck apparatus for coupling a tire valve to a pump according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-C comprise views, including cross-sectional views, of a minihose apparatus for coupling a tire valve to a hand pump according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-C comprise views, including cross-sectional views, of a minihose apparatus for coupling a tire valve to a hand pump with aPresta-type valve inserted at one end of the apparatus according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of an apparatus including a swivel cupaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an approach for removing inflation devicewithout removing the tip according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway diagram of a flip-chuck showing various connectionsaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioningof some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help to improve understanding of various embodimentsof the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements thatare useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are oftennot depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of thesevarious embodiments of the present invention. It will further beappreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. It will also be understood that the terms andexpressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to suchterms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respectiveareas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwisebeen set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As described herein, approaches are provided that allow coupling of ahose of a pumping arrangement to a tire valve (e.g., a Presta-typevalve) and for pressure to be released from the hose after the tire isinflated. In so doing, the pumping arrangement may be decoupled from thetire valve without detaching portions of the tire valve (e.g., withoutdetaching the valve core of a Presta-type valve). In cases where aswivel cup is provided (e.g., that is used to turn the apparatus withouthaving to turn the hose), the swivel cup can be easily turned after thepressure is released allowing easy detachment of the pumping mechanismfrom the tire valve. Consequently, since portions of the tire valve arenot detached upon removal of a pumping arrangement, and/or a swivel cupcan be easily turned to remove the pumping arrangement, usersatisfaction with the system is increased.

In many of these embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, apassageway, a pressure release mechanism, and at least one seal. Thehousing defines a longitudinal axis. The passageway extends through thehousing and along the longitudinal axis. The passageway has a first endand a second end. The first end is configured to be threadably coupledand to be in fluid communication with a Presta-type valve of a tire(e.g., a bicycle tire). The second end is configured to be in fluidcommunication with a hose.

The pressure release mechanism communicates with the passageway. Theseal communicates with the pressure release mechanism and seals thepressure release mechanism and the passageway. The seal is effective toprevent air pressure from escaping the passageway when the pressurerelease mechanism is not actuated. Actuation of the pressure releasemechanism is effective to release pressure from the hose to the exteriorof the apparatus and prevent detachment of any portion of thePresta-type valve (e.g., a valve core) as the apparatus is removed fromthe Presta-type valve.

In some aspects, the pressure release mechanism comprises a button, abutton cap and a spring. The spring is disposed in the button cap andbiases the button. The pressure release mechanism is disposed in anopening that extends completely through the housing. When the button ispressed or actuated, a seal is created between the pressure releasemechanism and apparatus. As the button is pushed, the seal is broken andpressure from the hose is released.

In other aspects, the apparatus is coupled to a swivel cup. Whenpressure exists in the hose, the swivel cup is substantially notturnable by a user (and it is difficult or impossible to turn theapparatus), and when pressure is released from the hose, the swivel cupis turnable by the user (and it is easy to turn the apparatus andrelease it).

In others of these embodiments, an apparatus for attaching a hose of anair pump to a Presta-type valve on a tire includes a housing and apressure release mechanism. The housing includes a first passageway andthe first passageway extends along a longitudinal axis of the apparatusand there-through. The first passageway has a first end and a secondend. The first end is threaded and configured to receive a threaded coreportion of a Presta-type valve. The second end of the passageway isconfigured to be in fluid communication with the hose of the pump.

The housing also forms a second passageway that extends generally in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through thehousing. The second passageway is in fluid communication with the firstpassageway and is configured to receive the pressure release mechanismwhich is operable to traverse at least some portions of the secondpassageway. Selective movement of the pressure release mechanism throughthe second passageway is effective to allow pressure in the hose to flowfrom the hose to the exterior of the apparatus via the second passagewayand allow detachment of the apparatus from the Presta-type valve withoutdetaching the core portion of the Presta-type valve from the remainderof the Presta-type valve.

In other aspects, the apparatus further includes a swivel cup that iscoupled to the housing that is configured to turn the apparatus andallow attachment to the Presta-type valve. When pressure exists in thehose, the swivel cup is substantially not turnable by a user, and whenpressure is released from the hose, the swivel cup is turnable by theuser.

In other aspects, the button apparatus includes a threaded cap portionthat is screwed into the second passageway. In some aspects, the buttonapparatus includes a spring and a button, and the spring provides atension against the button cap and pushes the button against the housingto seal an O-ring.

In others of these embodiments, the core portion of a Presta-type valveis threaded into a connection apparatus and the connection apparatus iscoupled to the hose of an air pump. Pressure is pumped through the hoseand the connection apparatus into the tire via the core portion of thePresta-type valve. After the tire is inflated, pressure is released fromthe hose to the exterior of the hose while still maintaining airpressure in the tire. The connection apparatus is then unthreaded fromthe Presta-type valve without detaching the core portion of thePresta-type valve from the remainder of the Presta-type valve.

In some other aspects, a swivel cup is provided to allow attachment ofthe hose to the Presta-type valve. When pressure exists in the hose, theswivel cup is substantially not turnable by a user, and when pressure isreleased from the hose, the swivel cup is turnable by the user.

In some aspects, a pressure gage is coupled to the hose and the pressureof the tire is measured. In other aspects, the pumping is made to apredetermined limit.

As used herein, the term “Presta-type” apparatus or valve, or “Prestacompatible” apparatus or valve refers to a Presta valve arrangement asis well known to those skilled in the art that includes a stem to whicha hose from a pump may be connected. The Presta valve includes a valvecore (which is the stem or is part of the stem), which may bedetachable, through which air flows from the pump to the tire. ThePresta valve further includes an internal valve that opens after beinginflated and such that once inflation is completed, the internal valvecloses preventing the tire from deflating. Further, the pumpingarrangements or pumps described herein may be of any type such as floorpumps or hand pumps. Still further, the term “pressure” as used hereinrefers to air pressure.

Although the approaches described herein often relate to Presta-typedevices, it will be appreciated that the present approaches are notlimited to these type of devices. For example, they apply to variationsof Presta-type devices or other types of devices (e.g., Schradervalves). In other words, benefits of the present approaches may beobtained even when a Presta-type valve is not used.

Further, although the Presta-type valves described herein relateespecially to and are used with bicycle tires, it will be understoodthat the valves described herein are not limited to bicycle tires andthat these approaches may be used with any type of tire.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one example of an arrangement for coupling ahose of a pumping arrangement to a valve is described. A connectionapparatus or chuck 102 includes a housing 101 with a first passageway104 that extends through the housing 101 and along a longitudinal axis107. A threaded portion 106 of the passageway 104 of the housing 101allows reception of a threaded core portion of a Presta-type valve (notshown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, a non-threaded core portion may beused.

A second passageway 108 extends through the housing 101 and is disposedand formed along an axis that is in a direction generally perpendicularto axis 107 of the first passageway 104. The connection apparatus orchuck 102 is threadably connected to a swivel cup 130. The swivel cup130 has portions 131 and 133 that are threadably coupled together. Theswivel cup 130 is configured to allow turning of the apparatus 102without turning the hose of the pump.

A pressure release mechanism 110 is disposed in the second passageway108. The pressure release mechanism 110 includes a button 112, a spring114, a threaded cap 116, an upper O-ring seal 118, and a lower O-ringseal 120. In pumping or inflation operations, the seals 118 and 120prevent pressure from exiting the first passageway 104 to the exterior105 of the apparatus. When the button 112 is pushed inwardly in thedirection of the arrow labeled 121, the seal 120 is broken (e.g., theO-ring is slightly deformed creating a small space or opening betweenthe O-ring and the body 101) allowing pressure to escape from the firstpassageway 104 to the exterior 105 of the apparatus 102 in the directionof the arrow labeled 122. The amount of seal breakage can be very small,for example, a separation distance of much less than 1 mm. Once thepressure is released, the apparatus 102 may be detached from thePresta-type valve without detaching the valve core from the Presta-typevalve, for example, by turning the swivel cup 130.

The O-rings may be constructed of any suitable flexible material such asrubber. The housing 101 may be constructed of any suitable strong orresilient material such as aluminum. Portions of the release mechanism110 may be constructed of plastic. It will be appreciated that othertypes of materials may also be used to construct these elements.

In operation, a hose sends pressure through the passageway 104 to thetire after the Presta-type core is threadably engaged to threads. 106.Actuation of the pressure release mechanism 110 is effective to releasepressure from the hose to the exterior 105 of the apparatus 102 andprevent detachment of any portion of the Presta-type valve (e.g., thecore) as the apparatus 102 is removed from the Presta-type valve, forexample, by turning the swivel cup.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, another example of an arrangement thatcouples a tire valve to a pump is described. A connection apparatus orchuck 202 includes a housing 201 with a first passageway 204 thatextends through the housing 201 and is disposed along a longitudinalaxis 207. A threaded portion 206 of the passageway 204 of the housing201 allows reception of a threaded core portion of a Presta-type valve(not shown in FIG. 2). A second passageway 208 extends through thehousing 201 along an axis that is in a direction generally perpendicularto the first passageway 204. The connection apparatus 202 is threadablyconnected to a swivel cup 230. The swivel cup 230 has portions 231 and233 that are threadably coupled together. The swivel cup 230 isconfigured to allow turning of the apparatus 202 without turning thehose of the pump.

A pressure release mechanism 210 is disposed in the second passageway208. The pressure release mechanism 210 includes a button 212, a spring214, a threaded cap 216, an upper O-ring seal 218, and a lower O-ringseal 220. In pumping or inflation operations, the seals 218 and 220prevent pressure from exiting the first passageway 204 to the exteriorof the apparatus. When the button 212 is pushed inwardly in a directionindicated by an arrow labeled 221, the seal 220 is broken allowingpressure to escape from the first passageway 204 to the exterior 205 inthe direction of the arrow labeled 222. Once the pressure is released,the apparatus 202 may be detached from the Presta-type valve withoutdetaching the valve core from the Presta-type valve.

In the example of FIGS. 2A-C, the apparatus 202 is a “flip” chuck andincludes a portion 240 for receiving a valve having a Schraderconnection. One end of the apparatus 202 is connected to the swivel cup(which couples to the hose and pump) and the other to the tire valve. Asconfigured in FIG. 2, pressure flows from a hose 250 through the portion240 then through passageway 204 to the tire. However, it will beunderstood that the apparatus can be flipped around and used in theopposite direction. In this opposite direction the Schrader portion 240receives a Schrader valve, pressure flows from the pump through portion206 of the passageway 204, and then through the Schrader portion 240 andthe tire valve, and, finally, into the tire. Thus, the apparatus of FIG.2 is compatible with valves of two differing types and configurations.The body 201 has threads 252 that allow connection to the swivel cup 230when the apparatus 202 is flipped.

The O-rings may be constructed of any suitable flexible material such asrubber. The housing 201 may be constructed of a suitable strong orresilient material such as aluminum. Portions of the pressure releasemechanism 210 may be constructed of plastic. It will be appreciated thatother types of materials may also be used to construct these elements.

In operation, pressure is sent through the hose, then through thepassageway 204 to the tire after the Presta-type core is threadablyengaged to threads 206. Actuation of the pressure release mechanism 210is effective to release pressure from the hose to the exterior of theapparatus 202 and prevent detachment of any portion of the Presta-typevalve (e.g., the core) as the apparatus 202 is removed from thePresta-type valve, for example, by turning the swivel cup 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, another example of an arrangement forcoupling to a valve to a pump is described. A connection apparatus orchuck 302 includes a housing 301 with a first passageway 304 thatextends through the housing 301 and along a longitudinal axis 307. Athreaded portion 306 of the passageway 304 of the housing 301 allowsreception of a threaded core portion of a Presta-type valve (not shownin FIG. 3). A second passageway 308 extends through the housing 301 in adirection generally perpendicular to the first passageway 304.

A pressure release mechanism 310 is disposed in the second passageway308. The pressure release mechanism 310 includes a button 312, a spring314, a threaded cap 316, an upper O-ring seal 318, and a lower O-ringseal 320. In pumping or inflation operations, the seals 318 and 320prevent pressure from exiting the first passageway 304 to the exteriorof the apparatus. When the button 312 is pushed inwardly in a directionindicated by an arrow labeled 321, the seal 320 is broken allowingpressure to escape from the first passageway 304 to the exterior in thedirection of the arrow labeled 322. Once the pressure is released, theapparatus 302 may be detached from the Presta-type valve withoutdetaching the valve core from the Presta-type valve.

A hose 350 extends from the apparatus 302 to a Schrader connection 360.The structure of a Schrader connector is well know to those skilled inthe art and will be described no further herein. The Schrader connection360 may be coupled to a pump. Thus, pressure flows from the pump throughthe hose 350, through the apparatus 302, and then to the tire. Thisarrangement can also be reversed. In this case, apparatus 302 is coupledto the pump and Schrader connection 360 to the tire. Then, pressureflows from the pump through the hose 350, through the apparatus 302,through the Schrader connection 360, and then to the tire. Threads 370and 372 formed on the housing 301 provide a connection to the pump forthe alternate ends of the apparatus 302.

The O-rings may be constructed of any suitable flexible material such asrubber. The housing 301 may be constructed of a suitable strong orresilient material such as aluminum. Portions of the pressure releasemechanism 310 may be constructed of plastic. It will be appreciated thatother types of materials may also be used to construct these elements.

In operation, pressure is sent through the hose, then through thepassageway to the tire after the Presta-type core is threadable engagedto threads 306. Actuation of the pressure release mechanism 310 iseffective to release pressure from the hose 350 to the exterior 305 ofthe apparatus 302 and prevent detachment of any portion of thePresta-type valve (e.g., the core) as the apparatus 302 is removed fromthe Presta-type valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another example of an arrangement forcoupling to a valve is described. A connection apparatus or chuck 402includes a housing 401 with a first passageway 404 that extends throughthe housing 401 and along a longitudinal axis 407. A threaded portion406 of the passageway 404 of the housing 401 allows reception of athreaded core portion of a Presta-type valve 460. The valve 460 includesa core portion 462 that engages threads 463 of the threaded portion 406of the housing 401. A second passageway 408 extends through the housing401 in a direction generally perpendicular to the first passageway 404.

A pressure release mechanism 410 is disposed in the second passageway408. The pressure release mechanism 410 includes a button 412, a spring414, a threaded cap 416, an upper O-ring seal 418, and a lower O-ringseal 420. In pumping or inflation operations, the seals 418 and 420prevent pressure from exiting the first passageway 404 to the exteriorof the apparatus. When the button 412 is pushed inwardly in thedirection indicated by the arrow labeled 421, the seal 420 is brokenallowing pressure to escape from the first passageway 404 to theexterior 405 in the direction of the arrow labeled 422. Once thepressure is released, the apparatus 402 may be detached from thePresta-type valve without detaching the valve core from the Presta-typevalve.

A hose 450 extends from the apparatus 402 to a Schrader connection 460.The Schrader connection 460 may be coupled to a pump. Thus, pressureflows from the pump through the hose 450, through the apparatus 402 andthen to the tire. This configuration can also be reversed. In this case,apparatus 402 is coupled to the pump and Schrader connection 460 iscoupled to the tire valve. Then, pressure flows from the pump throughthe hose 450, through the apparatus 402, through the Schrader connection460, and then to the tire.

The O-rings may be constructed of any suitable flexible material such asrubber. The housing 401 may be constructed of a suitable strong orresilient material such as aluminum. Portions of the release mechanism410 may be constructed of plastic. It will be appreciated that othertypes of materials may also be used to construct these elements.

In operation, a hose sends pressure through the passageway 404 into thetire after the Presta-type core is threadably engaged to threads 406.Actuation of the pressure release mechanism 410 is effective to releasepressure from the hose to the exterior of the apparatus 402 and preventdetachment of any portion of the Presta-type valve (e.g., the core) asthe apparatus 402 is removed from the Presta-type valve.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a swivel cup arrangement is described. Anelement 504 (e.g., made of rubber) is disposed between a swivel cup 502and a housing 506. One purpose of the element 504 is to provide a seal.The housing 506 is coupled to a hose 508 having a center line or axis510. Pressure 512 builds up in the hose 508 as the tire is inflated.Consequently, the pressure 512, acts to separate the elements asindicated by the direction of arrow 512. This makes the swivel cup 502unturnable or only turnable with great physical force since the cup 502and the housing 504 are forced together. Since the pressure is releasedby the pressure relief valve according to the present approaches, theswivel cup 502 can then turn and the apparatus can then be detached fromthe tire valve of the tire.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one approach for inflating a tire and removingthe pump is described. At step 602, the core portion of a Presta-typevalve is inserted (e.g., threaded) into a connection apparatus and theconnection apparatus is coupled to the hose of an air pump. Theconnection of the core portion to the apparatus may be made by athreaded connection.

At step 604, pressure is pumped through the hose and the connectionapparatus into the tire via the core portion of the Presta-type valve.The pump may be a hand pump or a floor pump.

At step 606, after the tire is inflated, pressure is released from thehose to the exterior of the hose while maintaining air pressure in thetire. This may be accomplished as described herein by use of a pressurerelease assembly that is actuated by the pressing of a button. Althoughdescribed herein as using a button, it will be appreciated that otheractuators (e.g., screws, knobs, switches and so forth) may also be used.

At step 608, the connection apparatus is then removed or separated(e.g., unthreaded) from the Presta-type valve of the tire withoutdetaching the core portion of the Presta-type valve from the Presta-typevalve. This can be accomplished since the pressure in the hose isreleased and stiction of the valve core to portions of the apparatus issignificantly reduced or eliminated.

In some examples, a swivel cup is provided to allow attachment of thehose to the Presta-type valve (e.g., by turning the swivel cup). Whenpressure exists in the hose, the swivel cup is substantially notturnable by a user. However, when pressure is released from the hose,the swivel cup is turnable by the user.

In other examples, a pressure gage may be coupled to the hose and usedto measure the pressure of the tire. In other aspects, the tire isinflated to a predetermined pressure limit.

Referring now to FIG. 7, one example of a flip-chuck 700 is described.The chuck body 702 has a first passageway 706 that extends through thebody 702. The chuck body 702 also includes a pressure release passageway704, in which a pressure release mechanism as been described herein isdisposed. A first end 708 communicates with a Schrader valve and asecond end 710 communicates with a Presta-type valve. External threads712 and 714 communicate with a hose. Internal threads 716 communicatewith Schrader valve and internal threads 718 communicate with a Prestavalve.

In one arrangement, the threads 712 are connected to a hose while thethreads 718 are connected to a Presta valve. In another arrangement, thechuck 700 is flipped and the threads 716 are connected to the hose,while the threads 716 are coupled to a Schrader valve. The operation ofthe pressure release mechanism is the same as has been describedelsewhere in this application.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, andcombinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of theinvention.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. An apparatus comprising; a housing with alongitudinal axis, the housing including a passageway extending throughthe housing in a direction along the longitudinal axis, the passagewayhaving a first end and a second end, the first end configured to bethreadably coupled to and to be in fluid communication with a Prestavalve of a tire, the second end being configured to be threadablycoupled to and in fluid communication with a pump hose; and a pressurerelease mechanism communicating with the passageway; wherein, while thefirst end is threadably coupled to the Presta valve, an internal valveof the Presta valve prevents air from escaping from the tire; andwherein the pressure release mechanism is configured, upon actuation ofthe pressure release mechanism, to release pressure from the pump hoseto an exterior of the apparatus while the internal valve of the Prestavalve prevents air from escaping from the tire through the Presta valve.16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pressure release mechanismcomprises a button.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pressurerelease mechanism further comprises a button cap and a spring andwherein the button is biased away from the button cap via the spring.18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pressure release mechanism isdisposed in an opening that extends completely through the housing. 19.the apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one sealconfigured to seal the pressure release mechanism and the passageway,the at least one seal adapted to prevent pressure from escaping thepassageway when the pressure release mechanism is not actuated.
 20. Anapparatus comprising; a housing with a longitudinal axis; a passagewayextending through the housing and along the longitudinal axis, thepassageway having a first end and a second end, the first end includingan interior-facing thread configured to receive and threadably couple toa Presta valve of a tire and an exterior-facing thread configured tocouple to a swivel cup of a pump hose, the second end including anexterior-facing thread configured to couple to a swivel cup of the pumphose and an interior thread configured to receive a threaded portion ofa Schrader valve; a pressure release mechanism communicating with thepassageway; at least one seal configured to seal the pressure releasemechanism and the passageway and effective to prevent pressure fromescaping from the passageway when the pressure release mechanism is notactuated; wherein, while the first end is threadably coupled to thePresta valve, an internal valve of the Presta valve prevents air fromescaping from the tire, and actuation of the pressure release mechanismreleases pressure from the pump hose to an exterior of the apparatuswhile the internal valve of the Presta valve prevents air from escapingfrom the tire through the Presta valve.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20,wherein the pressure release mechanism comprises a button.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the pressure release mechanism furthercomprises a button cap and a spring, and wherein the button is biasedaway from the button cap via the spring.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein the pressure release mechanism is disposed in an opening thatpasses through the housing in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.
 24. An apparatus comprising; a housing with alongitudinal axis; a passageway extending through the housing and alongthe longitudinal axis, the passageway having a first end and a secondend, the first end including an interior-facing thread configured toreceive and threadably couple to a Presta valve of a tire and anexterior-facing thread configured to couple to a swivel cup of a pumphose; a hose coupled to the second end of the passageway at one end ofthe hose and including a Schrader valve connector at an opposite end ofthe hose, the Schrader valve connector including an interior-facingthread configured to receive and threadably couple to a Schrader valveof a tire and an exterior-facing thread configured to couple to theswivel cup of the pump hose; a pressure release mechanism communicatingwith the passageway; at least one seal configured to seal the pressurerelease mechanism and the passageway and effective to prevent pressurefrom escaping from the passageway when the pressure release mechanism isnot actuated; wherein, while the first end is threadably coupled to thePresta valve, an internal valve of the Presta valve prevents air fromescaping from the tire, and actuation of the pressure release mechanismreleases pressure from the pump hose to an exterior of the apparatuswhile the internal valve of the Presta valve prevents air from escapingfrom the tire through the Presta valve.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24,wherein the pressure release mechanism comprises a button.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein the pressure release mechanism furthercomprises a button cap and a spring, and wherein the button is biasedaway from the button cap via the spring.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26,wherein the pressure release mechanism is disposed in an opening thatpasses through the housing in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.